GB2334216A

GB2334216A - Electrolysis needle assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2334216A
Application number: GB9903364A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Douglas John Cartmell; Alfred David Hobday
Original assignee: STEREX ELECTROLYSIS INTERNATIO
Current assignee: STEREX ELECTROLYSIS INTERNATIO
Priority date: 1998-02-17
Filing date: 1999-02-16
Publication date: 1999-08-18
Anticipated expiration: 2019-02-16
Also published as: AU2629899A; GB9903364D0; WO1999040862A1; GB9803197D0; GB2334216B

Abstract

An electrolysis needle assembly for removal of hair includes a needle 17 which is mounted in and united with a disposable body 16 of plastics material. The needle protrudes from one end of the body and extends through the body for connection to an electrical connector 15 providing a source of electricity for the needle. There is a male/female connector between the body 16 and the electrical connector 15 and the connector includes electrical contacts whereby the needle is releasably and electrically connected to the source of electricity. The body 16 is shaped to provide a handle for the assembly whereby the assembly is manually grasped by the user, and may incorporate a switch. The needle 17 has a removable cover 24.

Description

ELECTROLYSIS NEEDLE ASSEMBLY This invention relates to electrolysis needle assemblies which are used in depilation, that is, the removal of unwanted hair.

In recent years electrolysis needles have often been disposable to avoid risks which may arise when needles are re-used. Such needles may also be sterilisable.

It has been proposed to provide an electrolysis needle assembly comprising a needle united with a metal shank which is removably located between a handle and a cap member, the cap member being removably locatable on the handle with the needle protruding from the cap member. The handle is in turn connected to a source of electricity through a removable connection at its end opposite to the cap, such connection being by insertion of a male member in to a recess at the end of the handle.

It has been further proposed in GB-A-2212064 to provide an electrolysis needle assembly having a handle portion electrically connectable to a source of electricity at one end, having a cap at the other end into which is removably locatable a needle associated with a plastic body. The needle protrudes from the body at its rear end and the body is connected to the cap by a friction fit. It is intended that the body and associated needle is disposable.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved electrolysis needle assembly with a disposable needle.

According to the invention there is provided an electrolysis needle assembly which comprises a needle of electrically conductive material, a body for mounting the needle and being united with the needle and formed ofplastics material, the needle protruding from one end of the body to provide an operative needle portion and the needle extending through the body towards the opposite end of the body, electrical connection means for effecting electrical connection between said needle and a source of electricity, and a male/female connector between the body and the electrical connection means, the connector incorporating electrical contact means whereby the needle and associated body are releasably and electrically connected to said electrical connection means, and the body providing handle means whereby the assembly is manually grasped by the user during electrolysis.

Conveniently, the body incorporates a male member and the electrical connection means has a female member whereby the body is releasably connected to the connection means by the male member being a close fit in the female member.

Preferably, the body includes a generally cylindrical sleeve portion which extends over and around the electrical connection means to the rear of the needle, the male/female connector being located internally of the sleeve.

The body, needle and sleeve are integral units and disposable after use.

The needle may extend through the male member of the connector to be exposed for electrical connection to the electrical connection means.

The female member may include an electrically conducting sleeve which receives the male member of the connector.

In one arrangement the electrical connection means includes towards its rearward end a housing which, with the body, provides an outer surface continuous with the outer surface of the body.

The body may provide an outer handle surface which is of circular cross-section and tapers towards its operative end from which the needle extends. The outer surface of the body may be formed with flats and/or other surface features to assist use and handling of the assembled.

The assembly may comprise switch means for effecting connection between the source of electricity and the needle, the switch means being accessibly through the body means.

The sleeve portion may include a resilient region moveable to effect operation of the switch means.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an electrolysis needle body for use in the assembly which comprises a plastics moulding united with an electrolysis needle whereby the needle protrudes from one end ofthe body to provide an operative needle portion, a connector for connecting the body to electrical connection means providing a source of electricity for the needle, the body providing handle means whereby the body is manually grasped by the user during electrolysis.

The body preferably has means for locating a removable cover over the protruding portion of the needle whereby to protect the needle before use, removal of the cover exposing the protruding portion of the needle. The cover may be an open-ended tube. Further features of the invention would appear from the following description of embodiments of the invention given by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig 1 is a side elevation of one embodiment of electrolysis needle assembly, Fig 2 is an elevation corresponding to Fig 1 of another embodiment, Fig 3 is a side elevation showing the assemblies of Fig's 1 & 2 dis-assembled and partly in section, Fig 4 is a side elevation of another embodiment of needle assembly, and Fig 5 is a side elevation of the embodiment of Fig 4 disassembled.

Referring to the drawings and firstly to Figs 1-3, two embodiments of electrolysis needle assembly are illustrated which in each case consist of two basic components, an electrical connector 15 and an electrolysis needle body 16.

The connector 15 includes a housing 9 which includes a wire 13 extending from a source of electricity (not shown) which enters one end ofthe housing and extends through the housing to a switch 11 and to an electrically conductive sleeve 12 at the other end of the housing 9.

The sleeve 12 is located within a cylindrical portion 10 of the connector 15. The sleeve 12 and portion 10 define a female part of connector means and it will be seen that the connector 15 is common to both embodiments.

The body 16 is formed as a plastics moulding and an electrolysis needle 17 protrudes from one end of the body 16 and extends centrally of the body towards the opposite end into a male member 18 to extend from the male member 18 and be exposed therefrom to lie along the outer surface of the member 18. The male member is of generally cylindrical shape having a dome shape at its outer end. The male member 18 is for releasable location within the sleeve 12 and cylindrical portion 10 of connector 15.

The body 16 is of generally cylindrical shape tapering outwards from the end from which the needle 17 protrudes and has a narrowed portion 23 at this end. The portion 23 gives better visibility to the user of the needle 17. The portion 23 is also provided to enable a cover 24 to be fitted removably to the body 16, the cover extending to protect the needle 17. The cover 24 is conveniently an open ended plastics tube and is fitted over the portion 23 which may include an annular slot (not shown), or otherwise. It will be appreciated that before use of the needle 17 the cover 24 is removed.

The body 16 may be produced as a plastics injection moulding, the needle being located in the mould to be moulded into the body 16 during the moulding operation. Although the body is of generally cylindrical outer profile, the profile may be provided with a flat or flats, a hexagonal shape, or with other surface finish to assist a user in grasping the body 16.

In each embodiment ofthe body 16 the body has a rearwardly extending cylindrical portion or sleeve 25 which fits over the end of the connector 15, in particular over the cylindrical portion 10, the switch 11 and up to a shoulder 26 formed on the housing 9. The outer surface ofthe body 16 thus provides a continuous outer surface in combination with the outer surface ofthe rearward part ofthe housing 9, when assembled as shown in Figs 1 & 2. However, the body 16 is readily separated from the housing 9 after use of the needle and the body 16 is disposable after such use. A fresh body 16 with associated needle 17 is then connected to the connector 15 by sliding the body 16 onto the housing 9.

The housing 9 of the connector 15 is generally of plastics construction having an entry opening for the wire 13 at one end, and the shoulder 26 adjacent which is a cylindrical portion 28 of the housing which fits into the free end of the cylindrical sleeve 25 of the body 16. The wire 13 is connected to the switch 11 which has an operative button 29 projecting to one side ofthe housing. The wiring is then connected to the electrically conducting sleeve 12.

In one embodiment of the invention the body 16 is adapted to enable the switch 11 to be operated in use as seen in the upper embodiment shown in Fig 3. In this arrangement there is a weakened portion ofthe sleeve 25 which forms a switch operating region 30 ofthe body which can be depressed to operate the switch button 29, the region 30 being a resilient portion ofthe body. The body is in this case provided to effect switching of electrical current to the needle 17.

In the alternative version of the body 16, shown in the lower view in Fig 3 the body is provided with an inwardly projecting portion 31 which, when the body 16 is located in position on the connector 15, engages the switch button 29 to ensure that the switch 11 is permanently in the "on" position. In this case the assembly is permanently switched on when the body is assembled. Thus the user can select which kind of body 16 is employed in the assembly according to the requirement to have a switched assembly or a permanently on assembly.

Referring to Figs 4 and 5 ofthe drawings an electrolysis needle assembly is illustrated which consists oftwo basic components, an electrical connector 15 and an electrolysis needle body 16.

The connector 15 may be of conventional construction as used with existing electrolysis needle assemblies. Thus the connector 15 includes a flexible or semi-rigid wire 20 at the free end of which is a male connector 21 in electrical connection with a source of electricity (not shown) through the wire 20. The male member 21 is of cylindrical cross-section having portions 21A and 21B ofwhich the diameter of portion 21A is slightly less than portion 21B.

A shoulder 22 is formed at the end of the portion 21B.

The body 16 is formed as a plastics moulding and an electrolysis needle 17 protrudes from one end of the body 16 and extends centrally of the body towards the opposite end into recessed portions 18, 19 corresponding to the portions 21A and 21B of the connector 15 whereby to receive said portions. The recessed portion 19 has located within it an electrically conductive sleeve which is electrically connected to the wire 17. Thus when the connector 15 is assembled with the body 16 electrical connection is made between the source of electricity and the needle 17.

The body 16 is of generally cylindrical shape tapering towards its end from which the needle 17 protrudes and having a narrowed portion 23 at this end. The portion 23 gives better visibility to the user of the needle 17. The portion 23 is also provided with means for fitting a cover 24 removably to the body 16, the cover extending to protect the needle 17. The cover may be locatable on the body 16 by fitting over the portion 23, by being locatable in an annular slot in the portion 23 which slot extends around the needle 17 or otherwise. The cover 24 is generally in the form of a tube with an open end or is open at both ends. It will be appreciated that before use of the needle 17 the cover 24 is removed.

The body 16 may be produced as a plastics injection moulding, the needle 17 and the sleeve for the recessed portion 19 being located in the mould to be moulded into the body 16 during the moulding operation. Alternatively the sleeve may be inserted after moulding the body 16.

The body 16 provides the handle for the user to grasp the assembly during use. Accordingly instead of the body 16 being of generally cylindrical outer profile, the profile may be provided with a flat or flats, a hexagonal shape, or with other surface finish to assist the user in grasping the body 16.

In use of the assembly needles 17 are replaced after use by disconnecting the body 16 from the connector 15, disposing of the body 16 and associated needle 17, and fitting a fresh body and needle to the connector 15, removing any cover 24 before use.

It is preferred that the connector 15 be a simple press fit into the body 16 but, instead, there may be screw threaded engagement between the parts.

The sleeve for the recess 19 is conveniently of brass to make good electrical connection with the portions 21A and 21B.

The source of electricity is usually a low voltage electric current source of radio frequency A.C. or galvanic D.C.

The assembly ofthe invention presents fewer parts, and the surface area which could become contaminated is less than hitherto due to the disposal of the handle portion of the assembly after use. This also reduces or eliminates the need for instrument sterilisation.

The needle may be of conventional form, usually of stainless steel manufacture and the needle may have an insulating coating over its length leaving the exposed tip and rearward part insulated. The assembly may be used without any contact between the use and the needle.

It will be seen that the invention provides an electrolysis needle assembly of which part of the assembly is a disposable body incorporating the electrolysis needle. The disposable body is readily attached to and detached from the connector 15 so that a fresh needle may be employed for each use of the assembly. Since the body and associated needle are made of unitary construction with the needle permanently united with the body the needle and body are disposed of after use but the assembly is readily recharged with a fresh body and associated needle. The body provides the handle for operating the assembly and the body is suitably shaped for this purpose. The needle is protected by the cover 24 until it is ready for use.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Electrolysis needle assembly comprising a needle of electrically conductive material, a body for mounting the needle and being united with the needle and formed of plastics material, the needle protruding from one end of the body to provide an operative needle portion and the needle extending through the body towards the opposite end of the body, electrical connection means for effecting electrical connection between said needle and a source of electricity, and a male/female connector between the body and the electrical connection means, the connector incorporating electrical contact means whereby the needle and associated body are releasably and electrically connected to said electrical connection means, and the body providing handle means whereby the assembly is manually grasped by the user during electrolysis.
2. A needle assembly according to Claim 1 wherein the body incorporates a male member and the electrical connection means has a female member whereby the body is releasably connected to the connection means by the male member being a close fit in the female member.
3. A needle assembly according to claim 2 wherein the body includes a generally cylindrical sleeve portion which extends over and around the electrical connection means to the rear of the needle, the male/female connector being located internally of the sleeve.
4. A needle assembly according to Claim 2 or 3 wherein the needle extends through the male member ofthe connector to be exposed for electrical connection to the electrical connection means.
5. A needle assembly according to Claim 2,3 or 4 wherein the female member includes an electrically conducting sleeve which receives the male member of the connector and makes electrical contact with the needle.
6. A needle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the electrical connection means includes towards its rearward end a housing which, with the body, provides an outer surface continuous with the outer surface of the body.
7. A needle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the body provides an outer handle surface which is of generally circular cross-section and tapers towards its operative end from which the needle extends.
8. A needle assembly according to Claim 7 wherein said outer surface of the body is formed with flats and/or other surface features to assist use and handling of the assembly.
9. A needle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the body is a plastics injection moulding in which the needle is moulded into the body.
10. A needle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims comprising switch means for effecting connection between the source of electricity and the needle, the switch means being accessible through the body means.
11. A needle assembly according to Claim 10, when appendant to Claim 3, wherein the sleeve portion includes a resilient region moveable to effect operation of the switch means.
12. An electrolysis needle body for use in the assembly of any one of Claims 1-11 comprising a plastics moulding united with an electrolysis needle whereby the needle protrudes from one end of the body to provide an operative needle portion, a connector for connecting the body to electrical connection means providing a source of electricity for the needle, the body providing handle means whereby the body is manually grasped by the user during electrolysis.
13. A body according to Claim 12 comprising a sleeve extending rearwardly from the protruding needle, in which sleeve the electrical connection means is received, the connector being located within the sleeve.
14. A body according to Claim 12 or 13 wherein the connector comprises a male member through which the needle extends for electrical connection to a corresponding female member of the electrical connection means.
15. A body according to any one of Claims 12-14 wherein the body is of generally circular cross-section tapering towards the end from which the needle extends.